Ipod Case Modification

[Sharki]

Hey guys,
Like I promised here is the update on my search for a case.
I purchased a soft neoprene case by a company called Digital Lifestyles Outfitters the case is called the action jacket (they sell for about 20 bucks on everythingipod.com).
The reason for me buying this case is because I wanted to exercise with it and have a belt clip as well. Not that I carry the thing on my belt, but on shorts, and while working out and even in my coat pocket, I still like to clip the case to the pocket so it's kinda secure. Also this case has an arm band as well as a detachable belt clip so it is very versatile.
Anyway,
a few words of advice based on my experience.
- The case fits, although it doesn’t look as flattering to the IHP, (but it will sure hold me over until a company out there will make a case designed for out players).
- I did the alterations for the purpose of not taking the player out of the case (meaning holes for a charger, usb, and all the buttons on the sides. the only thing I kept inside is the Mic (I just don’t use it, and if I do I will have to take it out)
- As discussed here previously and a great suggestion for leather products -exacto-knife is not your friend here. I found out that what worked best is a small sharp tip (like manicure products) scissor does the trick best.
- Start from the bottom and just carve out the holes for the plug and the power - reason for this is because there is extra padding material on the bottom and cutting little snips of that will alter (a little bit) the way the player sits and thus will change the alignment of any holes you make prior to that (trust I know, that was my first mistake so learn from it)
- On the sides, there is a soft rubber material that because of the thickness of the IHP on the upper part kind of stretches (yes that was my second mistake) make sure you only cut out a little slit that is no more than I'd say 5mm, trust me when you put it on it will strech, and will reveal the buttons. (I aligned it first and then cut it instead of just starting small and trying it on - yep, my second mistake).
- Last but not least the headphone jack, don’t cut a whole just slice a little slit about 3 mm horizontally. once you put the flap over the Velcro it will fit exactly over the headphone jack and open up.

I have added a few pictures, let me know if there is anything else that you need help on, or just comments about how crazy it is to buy something in order to cut it up. The only thing that I would do differently here is be neater on the button side and cut it smaller and closer to the front so that it wouldn’t open so much.

I am sure this case will serve me well until there will be a case made specifically for this player. till then....

[cinderella217]

Very nice. Thanks for the pics.
From the pics - I guess you never use the remote? Doesn't look like it would be possible to alter this case to allow for the connection of the remote.
BTW - I didn't use an exacto knife to alter my case - I used small surgical scissors.

[Sharki]

Thanks,
I wish I had those surgical scisors. the ones I had cut pretty nice through the rubber so I cant complain, no I dont use the remote at all, and really the only thing I am sorry about is making the hole for the buttons on the side so big, other than that, I would keep everything.

[Sharki]

On the contrary using the remote would be an easier mod. All you do is attach the velcro straps to the side of the strap, maybe even cut a little part on the middle to make it wider. (kinda spreading them further), this way you dont need to even touch the sides, only the bottom to allow for the power and USB.